Industry's Eric Tao: A Tragic Fall from Grace

Ken Leung, who portrays Eric Tao, initially felt his character's arc had reached a conclusion after Season 3. However, he was persuaded to return for Season 4 if Eric experienced significant development. The creators drew inspiration from a Samuel Johnson quote about "becoming a beast" to shape Eric's storyline for the season.

In Season 4, Eric mistakenly believed a 14-year-old named Dolly represented hope and a chance to rediscover his humanity. This perceived connection amplified the impact of the scandal when it was revealed that Dolly was underage. The writers aimed for a brutal revelation, making Dolly more than just a fling but a symbol of Eric's misplaced trust and humanity.

Eric had an "8 Mile" moment during a CNN appearance, channeling Eminem by exposing his own vulnerabilities. This strategy aimed to regain control and shift focus back to a needed audit, protecting other characters. Despite this brief return to his ruthless persona, the aftermath left him emotionally devastated.

Deleted scenes revealed that Eric's arc was deeply affected by his relationship with his daughter, Lily. His arguments with her, particularly concerning her nose ring which mirrored Harper's Season 1 look, triggered him and motivated his actions, including his return to London.

The season concluded with Eric's departure, underscored by Judy Collins' "Both Sides Now." Creators viewed Eric as a tragic figure, embodying Arthur Miller's definition: achieving self-knowledge too late for it to make a difference. This marks a definitive end to his role in the series, as characters finding redemption often extricate themselves from the show's world.